Beautiful city of Berlin boasts a who host of attractions from stunning architecture and monuments to green open spaces and family experiences

It is one of Europe’s most significant cities, its place in history enshrined in its architecture and monuments.

But Berlin is also a city of rebirth, constantly looking to the future. What’s more, and this may surprise you, it is also a holiday hot spot for families with a host of attractions to entertain visitors of all ages.

Enjoy the view of the southern sky with a glass of wine, dive through the ocean in an elevator, or snuggle up to Brad Pitt.

You don’t need to book a trip around the world to experience all of this. All you need is a ticket to Berlin.

Make sure to visit the capital city’s countless attractions: the planetarium, the aquarium and the waxwork museum amongst many others.

Then there are the parks. Berliners are reluctant to leave their city in the summer.

The city is not only very green because of its open spaces and tree-lined streets, but also refreshing on a summer’s day with its many swimming pools and other recreational facilities. There are even several beaches within easy reach.

Before you go, take a look at the Berlin WelcomeCard range, which offers discounted or free admission to many attractions during your stay.

For more tourist advice, check out www.visitberlin.de/en/

FACTFILE

LANGUAGE: German

CURRENCY: Euro

TIME ZONE: GMT + 1

BEST MONTHS: School and university holidays make the peak summer months the most popular time to visit Berlin, and the city always puts on a good show with plenty of outdoor events. Things can be wearingly hot, with highs of 32°C.

VISAS ETC: EU passport holders do not require a visa. No vaccinations required.

MUST SEE

The imposing Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

BRANDENBURG GATE, Unter den Linden, Pariser Platz

Located in no man’s land between East and West Germany during the Cold War, this famous monument, built during the 18th century reign of Friedrich Wilhelm II, has long been a defining symbol of Berlin and both the city’s division and unification.

During the post-war partition of Germany, the gate was isolated and inaccessible immediately next to the Berlin Wall, and the area around the gate featured most prominently in the media coverage of the opening of the wall in 1989.

Either wander around under your own steam or take a guided city tour, all of which stop here. It’s especially splendid at night-time when the floodlights are turned on.

MEMORIAL OF THE BERLIN WALL, Bernauer Strasse 111/119

To get a real sense of what the wall and the no man’s land in between looks like, look no further than the Memorial of the Berlin Wall.

Signposted Dokumentationszentrum Berliner Mauer, this strip of wall gives a unique perspective of the wall – from above.

The visitor centre, which offers free admission, has several movies and documents in German, but knowing German is not necessary. The movies evoke such feelings that there’s no need for translation.

There’s also the Chapel of Reconciliation and a Documentation Centre, where you can read everything about the history of the wall.

TIERGARTEN, Strasse des 17 Juni 100

This huge lush park stretches through central Berlin and provides a relaxing contrast to the bustle of the rest of the city.

It’s a favourite spot for cyclists and joggers, with trails suitably marked.

But it’s also where the city relaxes, with sunbathers, family picnics and football kickarounds common sights.